Andrew O'Hara

Dublin, Ohio

Editor and Video Producer at AppleInsider

Journalist w/ @appleinsider. Cautious of people who think Crocs are cool. TL/DR: Scuba Diving Magician that shoots video. Read at https://t.co/GfU4oPcdZg

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Articles

Lots of Matter updates, Samsung Ballie readies launch, & more on HomeKit Insider

1 week ago | appleinsider.com | Andrew O'Hara

On the latest episode of the HomeKit Insider Podcast, Samsung SmartThings and Aqara have massive Matter updates, including new features for Apple Home users. There's also the upcoming launch of the Ballie robot and a quick review of the UAG Monarch AirTag holder. Both Samsung and Aqara had major Matter updates coming this past week. Notably, Samsung is adding support for a ton of new Matter devices found in the 1.4 update to the Matter spec.
Apple Vision Pro immersive video library management utility arrives for Mac

2 weeks ago | appleinsider.com | Andrew O'Hara

Apple has just released a new utility for Mac users to help manage their immersive video libraries with direct connectivity to Apple Vision Pro. the Apple Immersive Video Utility app continues Apple's efforts to support its large-format immersive spatial video efforts. According to the app description, users can import and manage their immersive video files, create playlists, sort, organize, search, and share them as well. Creators are able to inspect and modify the metadata on these videos.
Apple smart display delayed, Google Nest woes, and more on HomeKit Insider

2 weeks ago | appleinsider.com | Andrew O'Hara

On the latest episode of the HomeKit Insider Podcast, more rumors swirl about delays for Apple's smart display, Google narrows the Nest brand, and your host reviews the Knog Scout luggage tag with Find My.This week, a new report yet again points to delays in Apple's upcoming smart display. Now, 2026 seems more likely as the company waits for more Apple Intelligence and next-gen Siri features to launch.
Hue doorbell leaks, Matter 1.5 rumored devices, and the first Matter smoke detector on HomeKit Insider

3 weeks ago | appleinsider.com | Andrew O'Hara

On the latest episode of the HomeKit Insider Podcast, we cover the newly-leaked Hue doorbell, some rumored devices types coming to Matter 1.5 this spring, and talk about the impending iOS 18.4 release. We start off this week's episode rounding up some of the new features coming in iOS 18.4 that are most relevant for the smart home. New features include a new recipe guide, Matter vacuums, and more. On the heels of the iOS 18.4 update, we pivot to the first Matter smoke detector hitting shelves.
Despite not being on iPhone 16e, Apple's MagSafe isn't going anywhere

3 weeks ago | appleinsider.com | Andrew O'Hara

Poking around the internet, there appears to be the idea that Apple will phase out MagSafe just as it did to 3D Touch. MagSafe isn't going anywhere. Earlier in 2025, Apple dropped the iPhone 16e. It is Apple's most affordable iPhone and includes new features like its first in-house modem, C1. At the same time, it also opted not to include MagSafe. This magnetic connection and charging system has grown in popularity and set up alarm bells when it wasn't present.
Here's what coming in HomePod mini 2 & HomePod 3

4 weeks ago | appleinsider.com | Andrew O'Hara

Apple is finally readying an update to its smart speakers. Here's what's probably coming in 2025 to the new HomePod mini 2 & full-sized HomePod 3. It's been nearly 5 years since Apple released the original HomePod mini. The one that arguably saved Apple's smart speaker line. It's not even close to as popular as the Amazon Alexa speakers, but the tepid success of HomePod mini was enough to warrant the reintroduction of the full-size HomePod. Here's what is rumored for the next generation.
M3 iPad Air review: Same great do-it-all iPad with a faster chip

1 month ago | appleinsider.com | Andrew O'Hara

The new M3 iPad Air doesn't have a lot of changes, but the 2025 spec bump is enough to maintain it as our most recommended iPad for nearly everyone. If you read our 2024 iPad Air review, you've essentially read our 2025 iPad Air review. The changes this time are minuscule, summarized by the inclusion of the M3 chip. This minor spec bump comes a mere ten months after the 2024 upgrade. As that upgrade was significant, it eases the pain of this largely insignificant one.
HomePod Mini 2 rumors, Nanoleaf monitor lights, & cameras in Matter 1.5 on HomeKit Insider

1 month ago | appleinsider.com | Andrew O'Hara

On the latest episode of the HomeKit Insider Podcast, your host dives into HomePod mini 2 and HomePod 3 rumors, evidence pointing to cameras in Matter version 1.5, Nanoleaf's new computer light, and SwitchBot's leaked Hub 3. The bulk of the episode is spent surrounding Apple's efforts on the HomePod mini 2 and HomePod 3. Both rumored to launch this year, we go into new features, software changes, and other improvements to expect.
M4 MacBook Air review: More power than ever, at a lower price point

1 month ago | appleinsider.com | Andrew O'Hara

Apple's latest MacBook Air doesn't push the envelope, but it contains several worthwhile changes that make it an easy choice for PC switchers and legacy users. On March 12, Cupertino's most well-known company launched its newest laptop — the M4 MacBook Air. It comes almost exactly a year following the M3 MacBook Air, which is about what we expected from the Apple Silicon refresh cycle. As the previous model did, the 2025 model ships once more in both 13-inch and 15-inch sizes.
Mandatory Apple Home, Sonos cancels its streaming box, smart kitchen evolution, HomeKit Insider

1 month ago | appleinsider.com | Andrew O'Hara

On this week's new episode of HomeKit Insider, founder and CEO of Ome Kitchen, Akshita Iyer, joins to talk through this week's news such as the delay of next-gen Siri, the demise of the Sonos streaming box, and testing robotic vacuum cleaners in the Home app with iOS 18.4.Our guest on the podcast this week is Akshita Iyer, who founded Ome Kitchen. Ome is a smart knob for your stove. With the Ome voice-controlled knob, you can turn off a burner without having to move to your stove.